At AZ Center for Bone & Joint Disorders Center, we encourage our patients to learn as much about their particular condition as possible to make more informed decisions. We do hope you find the following information both helpful and useful.
Orthopedic Evaluations
While every patient’s orthopedic evaluation is unique, there are many commonly used tests that enable our surgical team to evaluate your condition and determine the optimal treatment. In general, your orthopedic evaluation may include:
- Medical history review – determines your overall health, as well as the possible causes and severity of your joint pain.
- Physical examination – includes examining your standing posture, gait analysis (how you walk), how you sit down and how you lie down. The physical exam also evaluates other important aspects of your joints that are needed for surgery, including joint size, length, strength, range of motion, current swelling, reflexes and skin condition. If you are experiencing pain in your hip joint, your back may be examined because hip pain may actually be the result of problems in your lower spine.
- X-rays – show how much joint damage or deformity exists. An abnormal X-ray may reveal the narrowing of the joint space, cysts in the bone, spurs on the edge of the bone, sclerosis, deformity or incorrect alignment.
- Further information gathering – your surgeon may ask a series of questions in order become more informed of your specific condition. Refer to the Questions Your Surgeon May Ask page.
Occasionally, additional tests may be needed to confirm the surgeon’s diagnosis. Laboratory testing of your blood, urine or joint fluid can be helpful in identifying specific disorders and in ruling out certain diseases. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or a bone scan may be needed to determine the condition of the bone and soft tissues of the affected joint.
Treatment Options
Depending upon the diagnosis of your joint issue, non-surgical or surgical treatments may be recommended:
- Non-surgical treatments
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Hip replacement – The hip joint is one of your body’s largest weight-bearing joints. A ball and socket joint, your hip is held in place by powerful ligaments and muscles, which help your hip remain stable even during twisting and extreme ranges of motion. A healthy hip allows you to walk, squat and turn without pain. When your hip joint is damaged, it is likely to hurt when you move. When a natural hip must be replaced, prosthesis is used.
- Knee replacement – Your knee is a hinge-like joint, formed where the thighbone, shinbone and kneecap meet. Your knee joint is supported by muscles and ligaments, and is lined with cushioning cartilage. Over time, the cartilage can wear away and, as a result, your knee can become stiff and painful. Replacing the natural knee joint with a prosthesis can alleviate the pain and restore movement.
- Upper extremity: hand/wrist surgery – Surgery is effective for hand and wrist disorders, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, cysts, sprains and nerve/tendon injuries.
- Upper extremity: elbow surgery – Surgery is effective for elbow injuries and disorders, including arthritis, tennis elbow, fractures and more.
- Upper extremity: shoulder surgery – Although less common than hip and knee replacement surgery, shoulder joint replacement surgery is just as effective at relieving joint pain, as well as improving motion, strength and function.
American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons’ Patient Education Library |
